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Litchfield National Park – Tolmer Gorge



Tolmer Gorge, through which a creek flows before tumbling over Tolmer Falls, is situated in Litchfield National Park, less than two hours drive south of Darwin, NT. Tolmer Falls is one of three major waterfalls along the western face of the tabletop range which runs through Litchfield National Park. More large waterfalls are found along the western face of the Tabletop Range because the plateau slopes slightly to the west. Frederick Henry Litchfield named the falls in 1865. Tolmer was the son of a French abbot, who arrived in South Australia where he joined the police force and was active in apprehending bushrangers.

An 800 metre return walk from the car park to the falls passes a small stand of cypress pines and cycad plants in a small valley. An interesting duo, both of these plant types evolved before flowering plants appeared on the scene. A lookout offers views of some of the rock formations found around the secondary plateau.



The pathway to the falls lookout gives commanding views out over the woodlands and wetlands stretching from the base of the Tabletop Range to the coast approx 50 km to the west. At the end of the walkway is a lookout built on the edge of the gorge rim which overlooks Tolmer Falls and the lower gorge, into which flows the water coming over the falls. The main falls are 70 metres high. The walls of this gorge have many caves and tunnels, which provide homes for the numerous bats that live in this area.

Two important species, the rare Orange Horseshoe Bat and the endangered Ghost Bat, use these caves as well as other species common to this area. Warm springs flowing up through the sandstone keep the caves warm and humid – ideal for these small bats. Tolmer Falls is believed to be the major stronghold for the Orange Horseshoe Bat with an estimated population of 29,000 out of a total estimated population of 34,000.


Tolmer Creek walk

A walk to the upper reaches of the Tolmer Gorge starts just before the lookout for Tolmer Falls. The walk meanders through the broken sandstone around the gorge rim alongside a deep narrow chasm through which the creek flows. This area is a good example of how the flora in this area has adapted to the poor soils and the lack of water in these areas for most of the year. The walk passes close to a 12 metre high natural arch carved out of the rock through which the creek flows on its way to the top of the falls. A little further upstream the creek passes through a steep gully and into the Chute, a sheer drop over which the water plunges before entering a deep circular cavern known as The Cauldron. It then flows under the arch and over the falls.


The Chute and The Cauldron

Upstream from the Cauldron, the walk follows the creek-line on the tablelands until cycads begin to appear beside the walk and then crosses back to the car park through the woodland. Where the walkway leaves the creek a small pathway leads down to the creek. This creek is seasonal and the water flow stops shortly after the rains finish for the wet. The walk then passes through stands of cycad. This type of cycad (cycas calcicola) is only found on the Tabletop Range and on some limestone outcrops around Katherine.






Tolmer Falls with the Tolmer Arch above it

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